Tebow is trying to get back on the field as he recovers from broken ribs. He had X-rays taken Sunday to see how they are healing, and as of yesterday had not gotten the results.

“I’m not sure [how close I am to playing],” Tebow said. “I feel like I’m healing up and getting there. I think it’s just a trainer, doctor and coach thing now.”

Tebow was inactive on Sunday against the Cardinals. Jets coach Rex Ryan admitted he made a mistake by having Tebow active for the game with the Patriots on Thanksgiving.

“Quite honestly, I let Tim talk me into activating him the week before and I think that was something I regretted and I wasn’t going to let him talk his way into it this time,” Ryan said.

Ryan said Tebow is not near 100 percent. Tebow, of course, said he could have played against the Cardinals.

“That was a decision made by the doctors, trainers and the coaches,” Tebow said. “Could I have forced it and went out there and played? I think I could have managed it, but it’s not my decision, it was theirs.”

This Sunday’s game is in Tebow’s hometown of Jacksonville, Fla. That would not make getting the start any extra special, he said.

Asked if he is beginning to wonder about his future with the Jets now that he is competing with two quarterbacks, Tebow ducked the question.

“Not really,” he said. “I guess one of my favorite quotes is, ‘You don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds my future.’ Whatever happens, my faith just keeps me grounded in everything. You just try to make the most of every opportunity you’re given. I’m just thankful for all of [the opportunities]. I guess that’s kind of my mindset.”

* Ryan was gushing about his defense after it held the Cardinals to 0-for-15 on third down and 97 yards on offense, excluding the fake punt yards.

“I know it’s been described as ugly and all that stuff, but any time you are one point better than the opponent or 30 points better, it’s a beautiful game,” Ryan said.

* Ryan said tight end Dustin Keller does not have a high-ankle sprain, but the team was awaiting some final test results. Ryan also said running back Joe McKnight does not have broken ribs.